New generations entering the workforce bring new ideas and approaches based on how they experienced the world growing up. Gen Z is no different. When they face unexpected challenges, adversity, or work-life imbalance, their personal values quickly show up. One new trend that has the business world concerned is career catfishing. But what is career catfishing?
In the digital age, catfishing typically refers to someone acting like someone else online to trick their target. Such behavior has been common on dating apps for some time. A standard definition of career catfishing is when a candidate for a job accepts the role and then doesn’t show up on the first day.
According to Forbes, “career catfishing occurs when job seekers give fake or rosy information or outright lie to hiring managers. Some recruiters are guilty of the deceptive practice, too, giving false descriptions, presenting a rosy picture of a job that causes “shift shock” on behalf of young workers the first day on the job.”
One explanation is that Gen Z is struggling in the workplace and taking back power in their professional lives. Perhaps the incentives traditionally provided to employees don’t resonate with this generation of workers. Such a bold practice implies a division between Gen Z and the corporate world. To that end, the article cites data from a recent Owl Labs study:
- 45% of Gen Z workers have reported increased stress.
- 34% of U.S. workers—including 48% of Gen Z employees—have posted about their jobs or employers negatively on social media.
- One in five workers refuse to take on work outside of their specific job descriptions.
- 20% don’t answer company communications outside of work hours.
“…The data shows that many of them are seeking better compensation and benefits, better work-life balance and more career growth opportunities. When their needs are not met, they find creative ways, like “career catfishing” and “office ghosting” to push back.”
Other trends are also leading to frustration. “Hybrid Hierarchy refers to senior-level roles enjoying more flexibility in their schedules while other employees must be in the office. Office Ghosting is another trend in which people say they are at the office but are rarely there. These practices can significantly negatively impact company culture, lessening employee engagement, reducing productivity, and increasing turnover.
On the company side, “Ghost Jobs” posting fake jobs or roles that have already been filled also reduces trust in the organization. Candidates fill out the application and never receive a follow-up.
Gen Z has already shown they are not beholden to how things have been done in the past and have their own view of what the workplace can and should be. They believe in a more collaborative approach and expect their voices to be heard. The top-down mentality of the past is now being met with a more vigorous response from employees.
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